Ambridge Area Middle School will have a familiar face at the helm when doors are opened for the2018-2019 School Year.Ambridge Area School Board of Directors approved the transfer of Mr. Thomas McKelvey to theposition of Middle School Principal at the June 13 meeting. He currently serves in the position ofState Street Elementary Principal. He will begin his new role as Middle School Principal on July1.Mr. McKelvey holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, Special Educationand Middle School Level Science from Slippery Rock University, where he graduated SummaCum Laude. He received his Master of Science in Education, K-12 Principal Certification fromCalifornia University and most recently has been accepted into the Doctoral Program at PointPark University.He began his professional career in the Beaver Area School District as a special education andgeneral educator, and also served as a Behavior Consultant for the Watson Institute. He also hasserved as an Assistant Principal at Woodland Hills Academy (K-8). Mr. McKelvey is certified inCrisis Prevention Intervention.His awards and honors include but are not limited to: Discovery Educator’s Network StarEducator, PTA Extra Care for Kids Award Recipient, Distinguished Service and ScholasticExcellence Award, Community Service Recognition Award and Golden Key International HonorSociety.“We are pleased to have Mr. McKelvey continue to serve the Ambridge Area School District,”said Dr. Jo Welter, Superintendent. “He is a caring and committed educator. He is a person ofgreat integrity. He will serve the students, teachers and community of our new middle schoolwith enthusiasm and dedication.”Mrs. Jo Ann Hoover, current principal at Highland Elementary School, was approved for a transferto fill the position being vacated by Mr. McKelvey at State Street Elementary. Her starting date isyet to be determined.Mrs. Hoover is a graduate of Slippery Rock University, with Bachelor degrees in Elementary andSpecial Education. She also holds a Master of Special Education degree from DuquesneUniversity and Principal Certification from Slippery Rock University. She previously served in thePittsburgh Public School System for 24 years. She is a certified trainer for Therapeutic CrisisIntervention.During her tenure at Highland Elementary, she implemented a schoolwide positive behaviorsupport program, which reduced the number of discipline referrals and suspensions. “She willprovide stability and continuity for State Street as Mr. McKelvey transitions to the Middle School,”said Dr. Welter. “We are very fortunate to have her expertise.”The Board also approved the hiring of Dr. Laura Burns to fill the position being vacated by Mrs.Hoover at Highland Elementary School. Her starting date is yet to be determined.Dr. Burns earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Master of Arts degree in Teachingfrom the University of Pittsburgh. She received a Master of Public Management with aconcentration in Educational Leadership from Carnegie Mellon University. Most recently, shereceived her Doctor of Education and Superintendent Letter of Eligibility from the University ofPittsburgh. She previously served as a Social Studies teacher in the Baldwin Whitehall SchoolDistrict and as an Assistant Principal at both the Carlynton Junior-Senior High School and thePine-Richland High School.Dr. Burns’ professional honors include: memberships on the Pennsylvania State Social StudiesCurriculum Committee and the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh Study Tour. Also, Dr. Burnswas a recipient of the National Consortium for Teaching about Asia Grant.“Dr. Burns is committed to improving teaching and learning in the Ambridge Area School District,”said Dr. Welter. “We are pleased to have her as a part of our team.”